Association between red cell distribution width and P-wave dispersion in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia

Although red cell distribution width (RDW) and P-wave dispersion (Pwd) are strong independent predictors of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa), the association between these two factors in the occurrence of ATA has hitherto not been reported. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of ATa patients who underwent Holter monitoring at our hospital from October 2013 to August 2014. Clinical data including RDW and color doppler ultrasonography data were collected, and Pwd was calculated from synchronous recording of P-wave intervals of 12-lead electrocardiograms. Patients were categorized into three groups in ascending order of RDW values. Between-group comparisons yielded significant differences in Pwd, left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDD), and left atrial diameter (LAD; P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the RDW level positively correlated with the Kleiger grade of atrial arrhythmia (r = 0.280, P < 0.001), Pwd (r = 0.148, P = 0.001), and LAD (r = 0.297, P < 0.001); Pwd positively correlated with the Kleiger grade of atrial arrhythmia (r = 0.257, P < 0.001), aortic root diameter (r = 0.143, P < 0.002), and LAD (r = 0.201, P < 0.001). Binary logistic multiple regression analysis with ATa as the dependent variable revealed that Pwd [odds ratio (OR) = 1.024], RDW [OR = 1.215], and aortic root diameter [OR = 1.030] were significant risk factors for ATa occurrence. This is the first study to establish a correlation between RDW and Pwd in the occurrence of ATa; however, further prospective studies using large cohorts are required to validate the correlation.